Why should Asia literacy be integrated in school curriculums?

Asia will contain 60 per cent of the world's population by 2050. It already includes the world’s two most populous nations – China and India. Over the next 50 years the Asian region is expected to become the centre of world economic development. China will be the world’s second-largest economy by 2020, and probably the largest by 2050. Indonesia has the world’s biggest Muslim population. Asia is a land of diverse belief systems, a place of immense and growing  significance … and it is on our doorstep.

These four broad reasons why studies of Asia should be part of our school curriculums are outlined in the National Statement:

1. Being good neighbours to people who live in our geographic region, and responsible global citizens

In a public lecture in 2000, army general Peter Cosgrove said: ‘Good neighbours learn to speak each other's languages … Good neighbours learn to respect each other's religious and cultural beliefs. Good neighbours learn to allow for differences and to be inclusive. Good neighbours spend time with each other. Good neighbours understand that contentious issues should be resolved though negotiation.’

Young people especially need to be prepared for the realities of global citizenship, to understand and appreciate other cultures and so equip themselves for the future.

2. Maintaining social harmony

Twenty-five per cent of Australians today were born overseas, and about five per cent in Asia. Eight hundred thousand Australians speak an Asian language at home. Teachers with Asian backgrounds teach at our schools; students and parents with Asian backgrounds are part of our school community. To maximise the opportunities this brings, while at the same time nourishing community harmony, schools must help young people understand the diverse histories, values and beliefs of Asian societies, and how they influence Australia's identity and our future.

3. Enriching cultural life

Philosophies, belief systems, medicines, technologies, art, literature, languages, cuisine, sports and popular culture originating from the diverse countries of the Asian region enrich our lives and expand our intellectual and creative horizons. They make a vital contribution to what it means to be Australian today.

4. Generating continued prosperity

More than half of Australia’s two-way trade is with Asia. China is tipped to be our largest trading partner by 2010. New agreements will stimulate increases in trade with key Asian markets, as China, India and Japan join the United States among the world's four biggest economies.

Asia consists of more than three billion people. Improvements in education and a growing affluence throughout Asia will mean new, competing businesses and a rising global workforce. Wherever Australians live and work, whether in Australia or overseas, they will increasingly find themselves part of a multinational, multicultural and multifaith society. Cross-cultural understanding and communication skills – including languages – will become more and more important.

These forecasts and facts may help you in your discussions.